Army undertakes flood rescue drill in Mathura

Mathura 2016.06.28 (TOI): A practice drill cum demonstration, ‘Jalrahat’, to assess flood rescue and relief operation preparedness, was organized by the task force of the armed forces on the banks of Yamuna in Mathura Cantonment area on Monday.

The drill was conducted as per Prime Minister Narandra Modi’s directions for annual joint humanitarian assistance and disaster relief exercises, involving all stakeholders, including the Armed Forces, Central Armed Police Force and the civil administration, right down to the municipal corporation. Officials said during the exercise various actions, ranging from rescuing people from water logged area and providing food and medicines to marooned people, were practiced.

In addition, a flood relief control centre was also established for and coordination purposes. Officials claimed that the practice session was “successful” and it provided confidence to both the army and civil administration in ability to handle such situations in event of floods during ensuing monsoon season.

Talking to TOI, Col Sharad Shukla said, “We cannot stop natural disasters but we can arm ourselves with knowledge to minimize loss of life”. He said the exercise also provided an opportunity of interaction with common public and civil administration.

Meanwhile, Lt Gen Shokin Chauhan, General Officer Commanding, has directed all flood relief columns to remain in high state of readiness and to practice drills to ensure timely relief in real life situations. A number of task forces and columns have been earmarked by all formations flood relief duties in UP, Bihar, Jharkhand, Haryana, Rajasthan and Punjab.